Fire Safety in Local Authority Buildings
Council offices, libraries, leisure centres and other council owned properties must have fire safety as a priority. Fire doors should be closed in the event of a fire; however, there are many reasons why holding fire doors open is necessary in public buildings. Wedging a fire door open is illegal as it stops a fire door from closing which prevents the spread of smoke, toxic fumes and fire which risks lives. Fire safety can be achieved in this situation with a fire door holding device, whether it’s hard wired into the fire panel or wire-free. Geofire has the full range of options.
Why hold fire doors open in public buildings?
- Accessibility for everyone through corridors is essential to conform to the Equality Act 2010
- Allow busy traffic areas to flow freely throughout the building
- Reduce the feeling of isolation in offices
- Reduce the risk of accidents resulting from fire doors closing too quickly
- Improve security due to increased building visibility (important where expensive equipment is stored)
- Allow ventilation on hot and humid days
Benefits of installing wire-free fire safety systems?
- Remove the danger of illegal use of wedges
- Compliance with fire regulations
- No hard wiring into walls where asbestos may be present or stone buildings
- Fire door closers make heavy fire doors, lightweight and easy to use
- Reduce maintenance costs as well as providing the highest level of fire door security (Salamander radio controlled system)
- No specialist training required for installation (Agrippa only)
- Cost effective versus a hard wired system due to hidden costs
- Works with a standard or voice fire alarm depending on system
Compare the features of our wire-free options here > Wire free door holder comparison